Facebook taps Khosla-backed firm for solar project

Facebook marks the latest Silicon Valley firm to go solar, as the social networking firm has announced plans to use technology from Mountain View, Calif.-based Cogenra Solar on the roof of its new 10,163-square-foot fitness center to produce sun-powered electricity and hot water.

Cogenra, which has received backing from clean energy champion Vinod Khosla of Khosla Ventures, will install a 60,000-watt system for Facebook in a high-profile customer win for the start-up. Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed. Facebook plans to move into the fitness center as part of the overall relocation of its headquarters to Menlo Park from Palo Alto in coming weeks.

It’ll join Google Inc. GOOG and other tech firms to invest in solar energy and other alternative power. “Our work with Cogenra’s systems represents our initial investment in sustainable energy for our new headquarters in Menlo Park,” said Facebook global real estate director John Tenanes. Founded by Applied Materials veteran Gilad Almogy, Cogenra bills itself as a specialist in photovoltaic electricity production and heat collection to deliver low-cost electricity and hot water for commercial, industrial and institutional buildings.

Story Conversation

About The Tell

The Tell is MarketWatch’s fast and engaging look at trends and themes in the day’s markets. Drawing on our reporters, analysts and commentators around the world, as well as selecting the best of the rest online, The Tell is all about the pulse of the markets through news, insight and strategic information to help you make the best investing decisions. Got a tip? Tell us at TheTell@MarketWatch.com